Éric Duhaime, leader of Quebec’s Conservative Party, is aiming for a historical milestone in the upcoming provincial election on October 5, 2026, with hopes of electing at least 12 members of the National Assembly (MNAs). This would mark a significant comeback for the party, which has not held government in Quebec since the 1930s and struggled in the previous 2022 election, where Duhaime failed to win a seat despite garnering over 530,000 votes. He believes the party is now positioned better, focusing on specific regions such as Greater Quebec City and Chaudière-Appalaches, where polling indicates potential support. Duhaime aims to attract disillusioned voters from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), highlighting a perceived void on the right of the political spectrum. He emphasizes the long-term goal of establishing a strong conservative presence in Quebec.
Why It Matters
The Conservative Party of Quebec has a storied history, having merged with L’Action Libérale Nationale in 1935 to form the Union Nationale, which dominated Quebec politics for decades. The party was re-established in 2009 but remained largely ineffective until Duhaime’s leadership began in 2021. The current political landscape in Quebec features five main parties, with the Parti Québécois (PQ) currently leading in polls, while the CAQ, under new leadership, is attempting to recover from previous setbacks. Duhaime’s efforts to secure a significant number of MNAs could shift the balance of power in the National Assembly, especially if a minority government emerges from the election.
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